So, how do you know if your lawn is compacted? Here are some telltale signs:
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Bald patches: Those bare spots could mean the soil is too compacted for grass to grow.
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Pooling water: If your lawn turns into a mini swamp after a good rain, that’s a sign the water can’t penetrate the soil.
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Thin, weak grass: Compacted soil makes it tough for roots to grow deep.
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Wimpy growth: Roots can’t grow well when they’re squished tight!
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Hard soil: Take a walk on your lawn. If it feels like you’re strolling on concrete instead of soft grass, you’ve got compaction.
Why is your lawn compacted?
Lawn compaction is a sneaky problem that can creep up on you for a few reasons:
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Foot traffic: Love a good backyard barbecue? All that foot traffic can press down on your lawn, making the soil compact.
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Heavy equipment: Using heavy lawn mowers or other equipment can squish the soil particles together.
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Vehicle parking: Parking cars or heavy machinery on your lawn is a surefire way to compact the soil. Your lawn isn’t a driveway, after all!
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Poor lawn care: Skipping out on aeration, or overwatering can lead to soil compaction. Neglected lawns often compact over time.
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Weather woes: Here in Perth, our hot, dry summers and occasional heavy rains can lead to compacted soil.
Fixing a compacted lawn
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Aerate, aerate, aerate: This is the gold standard for fixing compaction. You can use a manual aerator, a spiked roller, a garden fork or even hire a professional with a core aerator. Aeration is like giving your lawn a nice, deep breath.
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Top-dressing: After aerating, spread a thin layer of compost or sand over your lawn. This helps fill in the holes and improve soil structure.
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Water wisely: Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. This helps your lawn stay healthy and resist compaction.
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Regular maintenance: Keep up with regular mowing, watering, and fertilising. A well-cared-for lawn is less likely to become compacted.
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Limit foot traffic: Create designated walkways or use stepping stones to reduce the amount of foot traffic on your lawn.
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Reseed bare patches: Once you’ve aerated and top-dressed, overseed those bald spots to get your grass looking lush again.
